The
Sukhoi Su-30 SU-30M (NATO code Flanker-C) is a twin-engine fighter aircraft
developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole
fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction
missions.The Su-30M is equipped with a two seat cockpit with an airbrake
behind the canopy. The Su-30M is a multirole fighter capable of accomplishing
a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the
home base, in any weather conditions and during radar jamming, both
by day and night. The Su-30 first flew on a test flight in 1989 and
was introduced in the Russian Air Force in 1996.

Variants

- Su-30MK:
Commercial version of the basic SU-30- Su-30MKI: A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is
a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.- Su-30MKK: is a modification of the Su-27 SK manufactured
since 1999 by KnAAPO and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is considered
an upgraded version of Sukhoi Su-30.- Su-30MKM: Malaysian version- Su-30MKV: Venezuela version- Su-30MK2: with upgraded electronics that enabled
support for anti-ship missiles.- Su-30MK2V: Su-30MK2 variant for Vietnam with minor
modifications- Su-30MKA: A specialised version for Algeria is
similar to the MKI, but will principally be equipped with French and
Russian avionics. It will feature head-up and multifunction displays
from the Thales Group and Sagem of France.- Su-30SM: A specialized version of the thrust-vectoring
Su-30MKI for Russian military

SU30M
has a two seat cockpit. This two-engine fighter is fitted with canards
to increase lifting effectiveness and enhance maneuverability of the
aircraft.

Avionic

Su-30M
has more accurate navigation system, a TV command guidance system, a
guidance system for anti-radiation missiles, a larger monochrome TV
display system in rear cockpit for ASM guidance, and ability to carry
one or two pods, typically for laser designation or ARM guidance in
association with Pastel RWR and APK-9 datalink. Western avionics, guidance
pods and weapons can be fitted optionally. Sextant Avionique package
for Indian aircraft indudes VEH3000 or Bop HUD, Totem or Sigma 9SN/MF
INS/GPS and liquid-crystal multifunction displays.

Propulsion

The
SU-30M power plant incorporates two Saturn AL-31F afterburning low-bypass
turbofan engines. Two AL-31F turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (123
kN, 27,550 lb) of full afterburning thrust ensures Mach 2 in level flight,
1,350 km/h speed at low altitude, and a 230 m/s climbing rate. SU-30
multi-role fighter can fly at the maximum speed of Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h)
and has a service ceiling of 17,300 m (56,800 ft). The combat range
of the aircraft on internal fuel is 3,000km. With a single in-flight
refuelling procedure the combat range is extended to 5,200km.

The
SU-30 integrated electronic warfare system includes a Tarang radar warning
system, indigenously produced by the Indian Defence R&D Organisation
(DRDO), and systems supplied by Israeli manufacturers. The SU-30 is
equipped with a flight refuelling probe and a buddy-buddy refuelling
system.